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Harmony in music is when more than one note or chord is layered on top of one another. It creates an often pleasing and sometimes interesting sound. Join host Liz Lyon and producer Melanie Renate as we explore the concept of harmony. Episode 91 playlist Thomas Tallis: If Ye Love Me — A great example of harmony is a madrigal, which is a vocal piece of music that includes a number of voices ranging from two to eight, but usually three to six voices. Madrigals present a great opportunity to play with harmony.LISTEN  — Thomas Tallis: If Ye Love Me Thomas Tallis: If Ye Love Me by Johann Sebastian Bach: Bach's Minuet in G Major — When learning music, this piece of music is often one of the first pieces to be included in lessons. It can happily be a solo, but once you add an accompaniment, such as a piano or even a full orchestra, then you’ve created harmony.LISTEN  — Johann Sebastian Bach: Bach's Minuet in G Major Johann Sebastian Bach: Bach's Minuet in G by Robert de Visee: La Muzette — This music is performed by four string instruments working together to create a piece that shows harmony in a variety of ways. Can you hear when the harmony is pleasing to the ear (consonant) or when the harmony is a little uncomfortable (dissonant)?LISTEN  — Robert de Visee: La Muzette  Bedrich Smetana: String Quartet No. 1 - From My Life by You can now search and listen to YourClassical Adventures where podcasts are found. Explore more from YourClassical Adventures! What are you curious about? You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy.

The viola often plays a supporting role in the orchestra, but these three viola players bring the instrument into the spotlight. Join Host Liz Lyon as we talk about how these musicians found their way to the viola. Episode 90 playlist Steve Riskind Kim Kashkashian Kim Kashkashian: In Nomine  — Along with being a successful viola player, Kashkashian also teaches the instrument. She also founded Music for Food, a musician-led hunger relief initiative that has presented hundreds of artists in concert and has created more than one and a half million free meals for people in need.LISTEN - Gyorgy Kurtag: In Nomine Gyorgy Kurtag: In Nomine by Barrett Artists Nokuthula Ngwenyama Nokuthula Ngwenyama: Some Stuff - Ngwenyama became well-known when she won the Primrose International Viola Competition in 1993 and the Young Concert Artists International Auditions in 1994. She is not just a violist but also a composer, a teacher and a leader in the world of music. This is a piece she composed.LISTEN - Nokuthula Nngwenyama: Some Stuff Nokuthula Ngwenyama: Some Stuff by Jiyang Chen Matthew Lipman Matthew Lipman: Fuga Libre — Lipman is new to the music world but has already made a name for himself performing with orchestras around the world. He released his first album in 2015. This is one of the pieces from that album.LISTEN - Garth Knox: Fuga Libre Garth Knox: Fuga Libre by You can now search and listen to YourClassical Adventures where podcasts are found. Explore more from YourClassical Adventures! What are you curious about? You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy.

The viola plays an important role in the string section of orchestras, and it has a unique, rich sound and history. What does the viola sound like? Join host Liz Lyon and listen to beautiful viola music on this episode of YourClassical Adventures. Episode 89 playlist Michel Corrette: Viola da Bracchio Sonata - III. Minuetto — This piece features one of the earliest types of viola, the viola da barcchio. It was played just like a modern viola. Michel Corrette plays the viola de bracchio on this recording. LISTEN — Michel Corrette: Viola da Bracchio Sonata - III. Minuetto Michel Corrette: Viola da Bracchio Sonata - III. Minuetto by Rebecca Clarke: Viola Sonata — Rebecca Clarke’s Viola Sonata is by far the best-known of her works. She even submitted it for a competition and tied for first place. Marina Thibeault plays the viola in this recording. LISTEN — Rebecca Clarke: Viola Sonata Rebecca Clarke: Viola Sonata by William Walton: Viola Concerto — The viola most often plays the midtones in supporting the orchestra. However, there are a lot of pieces written that feature the viola as a solo, like this piece. Yuri Bashmet plays the viola in this recording. LISTEN — William Walton: Viola Concerto William Walton: Viola Concerto by You can now search and listen to YourClassical Adventures where podcasts are found. Explore more from YourClassical Adventures! What are you curious about? Submit your feedback https://www.classicalmpr.org/story/2021/04/17/classical-kids-corner You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy.

What do you love about summertime? The sun is out all day long, so the days feel longer. It can really help to put you in a good mood. In this episode, producer Melanie Renate shares classical music inspired by the sun. Episode 88 playlist Yu Shi Wang: Sunflower — This piece was composed in 1962. There are lyrics that go along with the original composition, which describes the daily life of farmers in China.LISTEN — Yu Shi Wang: Sunflower Yu Shi Wang: Sunflower by George Harrison: Here Comes the Sun — This is a famous song originally performed by The Beatles. It was written by guitarist George Harrison. Here, cellist Ofra Harnoy performs the piece with the Armin String Quartet.LISTEN — George Harrison: Here Comes the Sun George Harrison: Here Comes the Sun by Ferde Grofe: Sunrise from Grand Canyon Suite — Can you imagine the sun coming up over the red rocks of the Grand Canyon? Maybe you can find art supplies to create the sunrise this piece makes you think of.LISTEN — Ferde Grofe: Sunrise from The Grand Canyon Suite Ferde Grofe: Sunrise from The Grand Canyon Suite by Max Richter: On the Nature of Daylight — The colors of the world change throughout the day as the sun rises, crosses the sky and finally sets. This piece is all about how the sun slowly changes throughout the sky over an entire day.LISTEN — Max Richter: On the Nature of Daylight Max Ritcher: On The Nature of Daylight by You can now search and listen to YourClassical Adventures where podcasts are found. Explore more from YourClassical Adventures! What are you curious about? Submit your feedback You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy.

The saxophone is a unique instrument that has found itself played within classical to jazz music genres. Join host Liz Lyon as we explore the history of the saxophone and listen to examples of where the instrument shines. Episode 87 playlist Hector Berlioz: Chant Sacré — Hector Berlioz wrote this piece originally in 1829. In 1844, he arranged it for different groupings of instruments. One arrangement was for wind ensemble, which included two clarinets and four “saxhorns,” which we know today as the saxophone.LISTEN — Hector Berlioz: Chant Sacré Hector Berlioz: Chant Sacré by Jacques Ibert: Concerto da Camera, Movement III — This concerto in its entirety has a large range of notes and at times requires the musician to play the saxophone’s highest notes.LISTEN — Jacques Ibert: Concerto da Camera, Movement III Jacques Ibert: Concerto da Camera, Movement III by John Adams: Saxophone Concerto — John Adams’ father played the alto sax in swing bands in the 1930s. Adams said this early exposure to jazzy saxophone playing was inspiration for this piece.LISTEN — John Adams: Saxophone Concerto John Adams: Saxophone Concerto by You can now search and listen to YourClassical Adventures where podcasts are found. Explore more from YourClassical Adventures! What are you curious about? You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy.

What do you do when you are stressed, mad or sad? Do you go for a run to pound your feet on the ground, or maybe you pick up a paintbrush or an instrument? Join host Liz Lyon and producer Melanie Renate as we explore ways musicians have used tough moments in their lives to create pieces of music that helped them to feel better. Maybe this music can help you feel better, too. Episode 86 playlist Garreth Brooke and Anna Salzmann: Healing — Anna Salzmann is a visual artist who has partnered with composer and musician Garreth Brooke to present a musical and visual piece of art called Healing, which they hope can help people explore the emotional process of healing.LISTEN — Garreth Brooke and Anna Salzmann: Healing Garreth Brooke and Anna Salzmann: Healing by Johann Sebastian Bach: Partita in D minor for Solo Violin — Violinist Francisco Fullana had always found comfort in Bach’s music. He practiced music on his violin to help him heal while he was recovering from a shoulder injury. He also found comfort in the music by Bach during his time in isolation during the COVID pandemic.LISTEN — Johann Sebastian Bach: Partita in D minor for Solo Violin J.S. Bach: D minor Partita for Solo Violin by Joshua McGhee: Let God Bring Tomorrow — Joshua McGhee is a talented multi-instrumentalist, meaning he plays more than one instrument. He has been commissioned to write pieces of music in response to some tragic events. Let God Bring Tomorrow was written in response to a mass shooting.LISTEN — Joshua McGhee: Let God Bring Tomorrow Joshua McGhee: Let God Bring Tomorrow by You can now search and listen to YourClassical Adventures where podcasts are found. Explore more from YourClassical Adventures! What are you curious about? You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy.

A metronome is a musical device that produces a clicking sound to help you keep a certain tempo. You can snap your fingers or tap your foot to keep tempo, too. Join host Liz Lyon as we listen to classical music pieces with a wide range of tempos. One tempo is so slow that the piece of music lasts more than 600 years! Episode 85 playlist John Cage: Organ² (As Slow As Possible) — When this piece was written, composer John Cage did not specify a tempo. This offered a quirky opportunity to musicians: How can someone truly play this piece as slow as possible? Some musicians have spent 12 or more hours playing this piece, but in a church in Germany, a single chord of this piece is held for 2,527 days before it moves on to the next.LISTEN — John Cage: Organ² (As Slow As Possible) John Cage: Organ² by Arvo Part: Spiegel im Spiegel — If you hold a mirror facing forward and stand in front of a mirror, you will see that your reflected image is repeated over and over for infinity. The name of this piece is German and means, “Mirrors in the Mirror” which refers to an infinity mirror and the infinite number of reflected images.LISTEN — Arvo Part: Spiegel im Spiegel Arvo Part: Spiegel im Spiegel by Niccolo Paganini: Moto Perpetuo — A “virtuoso” is someone who is highly skilled in music or other creative art. Niccolo Paganini was the most celebrated violin virtuoso of his time. If you learn any violin techniques, you will likely be learning techniques he developed.LISTEN — Niccolo Paganini: Moto Perpetuo Niccolo Paganini: Moto Perpetuo by Camille Saint-Saëns: Samson and Delilah - Bacchanale — Camille Saint-Saëns was a French composer, organist, conductor and pianist. Before he was even 3, he was curious about the piano and had the ability to identify a musical note without assistance.LISTEN — Camille Saint-Saëns: Samson and Delilah - Bacchanale Camille Saint-Saëns: Samson and Delilah - Bacchanale by Johannes Brahms: Hungarian Dance No. 4 — This is only one of 21 total Hungarian Dances that Brahms composed, all inspired by Hungarian folk music and Hungary’s deep tradition of dance. They were originally written for piano and were later arranged by Brahms and other composers to allow a full orchestra to present these pieces.LISTEN — Johannes Brahms: Hungarian Dance No. 4  Johannes Brahms: Hungarian Dance No. 4 by You can now search and listen to YourClassical Adventures where podcasts are found. Explore more from YourClassical Adventures! What are you curious about? Submit your feedback You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy.

This time of year can bring a lot of interesting storms. Join host Liz Lyon as we use our imagination to picture thunderstorms while discovering classical music that was inspired by the rain, wind and rumbles of these storms. Episode 84 playlist Eric Whitacre: Cloudburst — Handbells, a thunder sheet, bass drum, suspended cymbal, wind chimes and piano all accompany an eight-part choir. The added claps, snaps and thick smacks by the singers help bring a thunderstorm to life through song.LISTEN — Eric Whitacre: Cloudburst  Eric Whitacre: Cloudburst by Ludwig Van Beethoven: Pastoral Symphony — This was one of only two symphonies that Beethoven named. Using your imagination, can you recognize what parts of a thunderstorm the instruments mimic?LISTEN — Ludwig Van Beethoven: Pastoral Symphony Ludwig Van Beethoven: Pastoral Symphony by Michael Kamen: The Eye of the Storm — American composer Michael Kamen was well known for his scores to many movies you might know, including The Iron Giant, X-Men, The Avengers and 101 Dalmatians. This piece is from The Iron Giant and helps to set the mood for an unknown object crashing through Earth’s atmosphere in the middle of a storm at sea.LISTEN — Michael Kamen: The Eye of the Storm Michael Kamen: The Eye of the Storm by Ferde Grofé: Grand Canyon Suite - Cloudburst — The Grand Canyon Suite includes five movements that paint a specific scene that is typical of the Grand Canyon. The movements are “Sunrise,” “Painted Desert,” “On the Trail” and “Sunset,” with the fifth and final movement, “Cloudburst,” portraying a storm in the Grand Canyon.LISTEN — Ferde Grofé: Grand Canyon Suite, 5. Cloudburst Ferde Grofé: Grand Canyon Suite, 5. Cloudburst by You can now search and listen to YourClassical Adventures where podcasts are found. Explore more from YourClassical Adventures! What are you curious about? You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy.

Part 2 of a two-part episode: Video game music has evolved over time from simple 8-bit tones to classical-music masterpieces. Join host Liz Lyon as we listen to some video-game compositions that have made a name for themselves in the world of classical music. Episode 83 playlist Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori: Halo Theme — For the theme from Halo, composer Martin O’Donnell was inspired by the Beatles’ song “Yesterday.” This particular piece was arranged by composer and sound designer Pascal Michael Stiefel.LISTEN — Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori: Halo Theme Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori: Halo Theme by Koji Kondo: The Legend of Zelda Theme — This song appears in every game in The Legend of Zelda series in one way or another. Either as the main theme, mixed in with a different piece of music or through brief cameo appearances in certain parts of the game. LISTEN — Koji Kondo: The Legend of Zelda Theme Koji Kondo: The Legend of Zelda Theme by Austin Wintory: Journey, I Was Born for This — This is the final track of the official Journey soundtrack, which plays over the ending credits of the game. The lyrics are written in five languages, all of which were borrowed from various historical documents and works of poetry. The title, “I Was Born for This,” is a translation of a quote attributed to Joan of Arc.LISTEN — Austin Wintory: Journey, I Was Born For This Austin Wintory: Journey, I Was Born For This by You can now search and listen to YourClassical Adventures where podcasts are found. Explore more from YourClassical Adventures! What are you curious about? You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy.

What sort of relationship do video games and classical music share? Join host Liz Lyon for the first part of our exploration of video-game music and how it has developed a deep relationship with classical music. Part 2 will be posted April 30. Episode 82 playlist Koji Kondo: Super Mario Brothers Theme — This was originally composed for the 1985 Nintendo Entertainment System video game Super Mario Brothers. Sound designer Koji Kondo says he found this piece to be the most difficult to compose. This version of the theme is performed by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.LISTEN — Koji Kondo: Super Mario Brothers Theme Koji Kondo: Super Mario Brothers Theme by Yoko Shimomura: Kingdom Hearts, Hikari — Yoko Shimomura is a Japanese composer and pianist. She has written for video games such as the Mario & Luigi series as well as Final Fantasy XV, but she is best known for writing the music for the video game Kingdom Hearts. Here is a popular piece from that game performed by the New Japanese Philharmonic Orchestra.LISTEN — Yoko Shimomura: Kingdom Hearts, Hikari Yoko Shimomura: Kingdom Hearts, Hikari by Claude Debussy: Claire de Lune — Video-game music is often used to help set the mood and provide insight into the specific game. Those who know the game The Evil Within, a game for older teens and adults, also know that when they hear Claire de Lune, by Claude Debussy, within the game, safety is nearby.LISTEN — Claude Debussy: Claire de Lune Claude Debussy: Claire de Lune by You can now search and listen to YourClassical Adventures where podcasts are found. Explore more from YourClassical Adventures! What are you curious about? You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy.

Nobuo Uematsu composed music for the Final Fantasy video-game series. The music has become so popular that orchestras have performed it on tour. Uematsu has never had a formal musical education, but he was passionate and persistent, and now his music is legendary. Episode 81 playlist Nobuo Uematsu: Final Fantasy, Main Theme — As Uematsu was seeking out work as a composer, a friend asked him to help her write music for video games. Final Fantasy was one of the first games he worked on. This is the main theme of the game.LISTEN — Nobuo Uematsu: Final Fantasy, Main Theme Nobuo Uematsu: Final Fantasy, Main Theme by Nobuo Uematsu: Final Fantasy VII, One-Winged Angel — When Uematsu wrote music for Final Fantasy VII, he got to work with an orchestra and a choir for the first time. The results were amazing. Here is one of his most popular pieces from Final Fantasy VII.LISTEN — Nobuo Uematsu: Final Fantasy VII, One-Winged Angel Nobuo Uematsu: Final Fantasy VII, One Winged Angel by Nobuo Uematsu: Final Fantasy VII, Don’t Be Afraid — “Distant Worlds” is a concert tour performed by an orchestra, choir, and vocal and instrumental soloists. The concerts are unique multimedia experiences, with Final Fantasy video game presentations projected onto giant screens throughout the concert. Here is a piece that has been performed on the tour.LISTEN — Nobuo Uematsu: Final Fantasy VII, Don’t Be Afraid Nobuo Uematsu: Final Fantasy VII, Don't Be Afraid by You can now search and listen to YourClassical Adventures where podcasts are found. Explore more from YourClassical Adventures! What are you curious about? You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy.

There is a strange instrument that was once believed to have magical powers. Join host Liz Lyon as we learn a little about the history of the glass armonica and listen to music composed for this unique instrument. Episode 80 Glass Armonica Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Adagio for Glass Armonica — In the last year of Mozart’s life, he composed this piece for the glass armonica, which has been referred to as one of unearthly beauty.LISTEN — Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Adagio for Glass Armonica Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Adagio for Glass Armonica by Johann Abraham Peter Schulz: Largo — There were many rumors surrounding the glass armonica. In Germany, some towns actually banned the instrument. Here is a piece written for it by German composer Johann Abraham Peter Schulz.LISTEN — Johann Abraham Peter Schulz: Largo Johann Abraham Peter Schulz: Largo by James Horner: Spock — The glass armonica also is sometimes referred to as the bowl organ. It produces ethereal sounds and when paired with the harp, composer James Horner thought it created the perfect theme for Spock in the Star Trek movie The Wrath of Khan.LISTEN — James Horner: Spock James Horner: Spock by Carter Burwell: The Glass Armonica — Carter Burwell is best known for his work as a film composer. He wrote this piece for the glass armonica to accompany the movie Mr. Holmes, which portrays the famous literary detective Sherlock Holmes in his old age.LISTEN — Carter Burwell: The Glass Armonica Carter Burwell: The Glass Armonica by You can now search and listen to YourClassical Adventures where podcasts are found. Explore more from YourClassical Adventures! What are you curious about? You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy.